Are Impact Windows Required in Coastal Areas?

There are a number of ways to protect the windows of coastal-area homes from storm damage, but impact windows are the gold standard. One of the top reasons is that impact-resistant windows, also known as hurricane windows, stay in place year-round. This translates into valuable protection not only during hurricane season but also when powerful windstorms spring up with little to no warning, allowing homeowners no time to safely cover their windows with plywood or shutters.

For this reason, more and more experts are recommending installation of reliable impact windows as the best form of hurricane window protection. Whether homeowners in any given region are required to have them installed, however, is typically up to the local government where they live. There are many regions, called “high-velocity hurricane zones,” where homeowners are required to have some kind of hurricane window protection but not necessarily impact windows.

Benefits of Choosing Impact Windows for Your Coastal-Area Home

If you live in a coastal area that’s at risk for windstorms and you’re trying to decide whether to invest in impact windows or some other type of hurricane window protection, here are a few things to think about:

Energy Efficiency

Many of the features that help windows resist damage from impact also contribute to superior thermal protection for your home, which means your new impact windows might help you save money on your cooling and heating bills.

Enhanced Security

Windows that don’t break in the face of airborne debris will also prove to be a challenge for would-be burglars.

Potential Insurance Discounts

Your impact-resistant replacement windows may qualify for discounted rates on your homeowners insurance.

If you live in the southern United States and you’re thinking of having impact windows installed, make sure you check out the selection from NewSouth Window Solutions. We specialize in building and installing the ideal windows for homes in coastal areas. Contact us today to learn more.